Hard riding and noisey GTI 7.5

[Grahamt]

Hi guy's,

Hoping some of you with more experience can suggest replacement adjustable dampers that I can retro fit to my GTI. I find the ride far too firm when not pushing on hard,  it rattles my keys in the for pocket even when they are sitting carefully placed in a microfibre cloth. Corrogations across the road are by far the worst and some of the roads around my area are just full of them.

I'm running correct tyre pressures  and have just thrown the Bridgestone tyres out for PS4s as the noise they generated was bonkers........the new tyres are better but it's still way noisier than my wife's mk7 Tdi ......ruins a great car to be honest.......it's mostly road noise pushed into the cabin, the exhaust is a bit  droney when on throttle but on cruise you can't hear it, even fast cruise.

I'm looking for adjustable dampers that have a comfort mode, clearly I don't think I can retro fit DCC.

If anyone is reading this and buying a new  GTI make sure you pay the extra for DCC .......I regret not specifying it and I'm only running stock rims.

Cheers for any constructive advice

[Gnasher]

I think the problem is that one persons "Rock hard" is another persons "Soft and wallowy".

When you say you have the tyres set to the "recommended pressures", what are they?

If they're the recommended pressures of 38-40psi then those pressures are set that high to achieve the best fuel economy on the various government tests. I've always used those pressures as a starting point and then dropped them to a more reasonable level (try 35psi as a starting point) and I've never had any uneven tyre wear either on my standard 18s or my aftermarket 19s.

Mine still rides reasonably well even on 19s and lowered suspension.

Hope that helps.

[fredgroves]

My last Mk7 GTD had DCC and my current Mk7.5 doesn't - both on 18's.

I was worried but... I genuinely don't miss it.

If you really want to get DCC this is probably your best bet:

https://www.kwsuspensions.co.uk/products/coilovers/ddc

The DDC variant is what you want and its about £2k plus fitting.

Personally, I'd have to really really really need that or just put up with it.

Have you considered swapping your car for a DCC equipped one? If its not brand spanking new it might be cheaper.

[Watts]

It might be a good idea to test drive a DCC car first before spending your money (if you haven't already). As Gnasher said, it is all personal preference, mine on 19s without DCC is excellent so I wouldn't say DCC is essential. I do hope you get the problem resolved

[Hertsman]

Personally I would always opt for DCC as think its an amazing piece of tech that has me transport a full car around in bouncy comfort and when on my own and want to firm the ride up the difference is tangible and effective.

Its down to preference though as I personally like the extra comfort on the commute when moving along with everyone else

The key word is extra as surprised to see your comment as no MK 7 Performance that I have been in, either on 18 or 19 is anywhere near ruined in fashion you describe so maybe worth just having checked out, maybe some transport pucks still sitting there?

My R is on Pretoria 19" and in comfort, without passengers I would say its too comfortable, and bounces a little too much, thats how good the DCC is.

My wife car is an A1 SLine Black Edition and thats a lovely ride until hit any really poor surface and then its a little intrusive but its definitely acceptable

on the previous Audi and VW chassis the ride was really hard on the performance models but the new MQB chassis has for all the years of the model made the standard ride still firm but perfectly fine and nowhere near the days of previous model where the crashes could ruin a drive

My next order is a TCR and its set up for a firmer ride so the DCC was a must for me - if the TCR in comfort is same as my normal in R I will be happy.

If this was me I would first get it checked to make sure everything as should be and if still an issue I would unlikely look to change suspension I would be looking at some of the run out deals as you might be surprised at how good an exchange can get and have more options including DCC added.

[ar899]

I'd second getting it checked over. I'm v fussy re ride comfort and, given the choice, I'd spec DCC. But have driven one without on 18s and seemed fine. In fact I also had a short test drive on 19s with no DCC and was surprised how comfortable it was. Better than a mates A3 S/line on 18s which was bone shaking.

[hog_hedge]

I run optional 19s without DCC and I find the ride far from harsh, like you are describing. I know this is of no help to you but it may suggest that there is something amiss with your car.

Just a thought, have you checked to see if the transport pucks are still in place?

Here are some photos to show you what you are looking for - https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?6978296-Quick-Guide-to-Remove-Strut-Pucks

There are three pucks each side of the car on the front struts and it has been known for the techie doing the PDI to only remove one of the 3 each side and miss the other two.

Let us know how you get on because your description of the suspension in your GTI is not in keeping with any experience that I have heard on this forum and I hope you can get it sorted ASAP.

[Grahamt]

Thanks for your excellent thoughts and guidance.......I'll answer and do a more detailed reply later when I get chance 👍

[Exonian]

I run optional 19s without DCC and I find the ride far from harsh, like you are describing. I know this is of no help to you but it may suggest that there is something amiss with your car.

Just a thought, have you checked to see if the transport pucks are still in place?

Here are some photos to show you what you are looking for - https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?6978296-Quick-Guide-to-Remove-Strut-Pucks

There are three pucks each side of the car on the front struts and it has been known for the techie doing the PDI to only remove one of the 3 each side and miss the other two.

Let us know how you get on because your description of the suspension in your GTI is not in keeping with any experience that I have heard on this forum and I hope you can get it sorted ASAP.

First thing I thought when I read the thread title too.
The GTI is far from a poor riding sports hatch. A bit knobbly at times but a good compromise.

[Sootchucker]

Transport pucks would be my first bet as well.

Here's how my first GTD was delivered